Oregon Vs Iowa: 2021 NCAA Tournament game preview, TV schedule, odds
Oregon advanced to the Round of 32 after VCU had to forfeit due to covid issues. They finally get on the court, taking on Iowa for a spot in the Sweet 16.
TV schedule: Monday, March 22, 12:10 pm ET. CBS
Arena: Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana
Line (per Odds Shark) – Iowa (-4)
The Oregon Ducks won their first-round matchup vs VCU after VCU was unable to play after multiple players on their team tested positive. It’s a horrible way for VCU’s season to end but now the Ducks will have extra time to prepare for Iowa.
Oregon has had an interesting season, they got out to an 8-1 start and then lost three of their next four due to issues with Covid 19. Since then the Ducks have won 11 out of their last 13 not counting the VCU game. The Ducks have also had their share of injury issues. Will Richardson missed the first half of the season due to a left thumb injury and center N’Faly Dante tore his ACL and has been out since December.
Chris Duarte is the best player on the team and will likely be a first-round pick in the 2021 NBA draft. He was a Pac-12 all-defensive member who also made first-team all-conference. He is currently averaging 16.7 points per game on a 52.4/80.3.43.0 line from the field.
Eugene Omoruyi who scores 16.7 points per game as well as a transfer from Rutgers is another first-team all PAC-12 selection. He’s an undersized big who is strong, fearless, and can shoot the ball as well. LJ Figueroa who is another key contributor is a transfer from St. Johns. He leads the team in rebounds with 6.1 from the guard spot and also scores 12.3 a game. He can shoot from three at 37.6 percent, has a quick first step as well.
Iowa won their first-round matchup against Grand Canyon 86-74. Luka Garza led the team with 24 points and the Hawkeyes shot the ball well from behind the arc going 10-22 as a team.
Iowa is a tremendous offensive team ranking 2nd in Kenpom’s adjusted offensive efficiency. They are 9th in 3 point percentage in the country at 38.8 and have the 2nd best turnover rate in the country at 13.2 percent. Iowa likes to play inside and out by throwing the ball inside to Garza and surrounding him with shooters. That is a big reason why Iowa has the 5th highest assist rate in the country.
This is an interesting matchup, Iowa is a great offensive team who has struggled defensively but their defense has improved as of late. Oregon is an athletic team that has been playing good basketball as of late.
Oregon’s press could throw Iowa off their rhythm on offense plus Garza probably will struggle to guard Omoruyi on the premier. With Dante out Oregon doesn’t have anyone to throw on Garza so they are going to have to double witch could lead to open three’s and scramble situations.
Next. Takeaways from Round of 64 action. dark
I’m expecting a good game but Iowa to make a couple more plays at the end.